These are journal entries in the first couple days of our trip to Malawi…
7 February 2009, on the plane
We are two hours from Johannesburg… I’m not even sure how I feel. As we landed in Dakar, Senegal to refuel two hours ago I just couldn’t believe that we are on the other side of the world. We are so far from home. I feel neither sadness nor elation, scared nor excited. I am simply waiting, open to the experience, trying to see it all with my eyes and my heart – through my eyes and through the eyes of my children.
8 February 2009, after arriving in Lilongwe
Driving from the airport we saw children herding cows and goats, women carrying backpacks and suitcases on their heads, beautiful trees, maize as tall as I am, lots of bikes, people talking and selling along the road. The country is really beautiful. It is hard for me to imagine it brown in the dry season.
9 February 2009, meeting Lester Mhone
What an amazing day. It’s difficult to believe that my world, my God and my understanding could grow so much in a single day.
Talking with Lester Mhone this morning as he discussed the world and vision of the MUMC felt like I was sitting with John Wesley himself – open air preaching (under mango trees), taking the Word of God to all the people, especially those on the margins, sharing what we have, eliminating need by empowering persons to do for themselves. It is Wesley’s vision being lived out here.
And he talked so much about “demonstrating”, leading by example. He demonstrates a new type of farming on his land without forcing anyone to try it but allowing them to see the differences for themselves. And he demonstrates sharing food with the community to witness to God’s generosity and grace available to all. Demonstrating, he says, living a life as a born again Christian draws curiosity and admiration – and new believers.
Hello Kara!
This is Tenley Schofield, from ‘From Malawi with love.’ I was delighted to receive your husband’s note a few weeks ago — evidently it got dropped off at the main office, and bushmail takes its own sweet time around here. ;)
My phone number in country, for when you return, is 09121390, my email is tenley_s@yahoo.com, and my local address is Peace Corps, PO Box 119, Mulanje, Malawi. I am very sorry not to have been available to lend a hand with the house search, or at least to say hello!
I do hope you’ll drop me a line when you next return; I’ll be in country until at least April 2010. Thank you, thank you for the skittles! I shared some with the new trainees, who’ve been in their homestay villages around six weeks, and was nearly stampeded. They and I deeply appreciate your kindness.
Cheers!
TS